Bruce Allen promoted to Redskins team president, stays GM

The Washington Redskins announced on Monday that Bruce Allen, who has served as the team's general manager for the last four years, has also been given the title of team president.

Allen, 57, was originally hired as the team's Executive Vice President/General Manager on Dec. 17, 2009 after a five-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and eight years with the Oakland Raiders.

"I think the world of Bruce Allen and giving him both titles is appropriate," team owner Dan Snyder said in a statement released by the team.

It's unclear how much, if at all, Allen's role will change with the additional title. A team spokesman wrote in a text message that Allen "oversees the organization," but Allen has held multiple responsibilities in different levels of the franchise since his hiring.

The announcement comes three days after a letter written by Allen to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, defending the team's nickname was accompanied by the new title.

Allen did not immediately return a request for comment Monday afternoon.